How to Make Ahead and Freeze Shredded Chicken

Canned chicken is very convenient, but is also very costly. That's why I like to cook, shred, and freeze chicken myself. Chicken comes on sale about every 6 weeks at grocery stores. So, I buy as much as I can when it is at it's lowest price. Then I prepare and freeze my crockpot shredded chicken. I use this chicken for chicken noodle soup, enchiladas, etc. Below is a quick tutorial on making crockpot shredded chicken.


First, place desired amount of chicken in the crockpot (I usually do 5-10 lbs at a time). Then, fill crockpot with water until the chicken is just submerged. Cook chicken in crockpot for 4-6 hrs on high.


The chicken is finished cooking when it is no longer pink in the middle and when it can be easily pulled apart with a fork. Next, drain off all of the water. *The water/chicken drippings can be used for chicken broth!


Now shred the chicken. I like to use my Pampered Chef Mix and Chop.


Place the chicken in freezer bags. I like to freeze it in 1 1b bags...sandwich bags work well.

When you are ready to use the frozen chicken, either leave it out to thaw or defrost it in the microwave. Now, your chicken is ready to use in any recipe!